The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-03-16
A KNAVE UNMASKED.
BY FRANK SHERIDAN.

MI. ID my DuSiutbS uoSOCinlc,
my relative and my friend"
Nevertheless he is n scoundrel."
"Your insult is gross and unwarranted,
Robert Ellis. You must apologize, or
never darken my doors again"
Every we'll, Mr.. Bordell, choose the
latter alternative.
1t was an incident in which angry, excited
tones had indicated that serious elements
of interest, emotion, and pride were at
stake.
Its denouement meant Punishment and
unhappiness for Robert Ellis, yet as he
walked down the marble steps of the
stately mansion of Mr.. Bordell, the
wealthy banker of Elmyille, sentiment of
Just conviction and resolute determination
showed on his young handsome face.
The circumstances of the affair may be
very briefly recited.
John Bordell was an old-time resident of
Elmville, and was the principal owner in
the bank at that place.
For many years he had been widower,
but his daughter Bertha and his son Ar
mold had cheered his loneliness, and when
the latter entered the bank, year previous,
the banker believed his ability would soon
entitle him to a prominent place in its OPP
erations.
One day, however, terrible blow fell
upon the devoted father.
Arnold Bordell had disappeared, and
with him ten thousand dollars of the banks
money.
An examination of his accounts showed
frequent alterations and errors; a note was
left ON his desk in which he stated that he
had lost heavily Mt gambling, and had en-
bezzled large amount
He had, therefore, determined to fly, and
announced that he would never return to
disgrace the family name.
For weeks the proud banker was crushed
by the unexpected blow. His daughter
shared his grief, assuaged only by the con-
fident assertions of Arnold's dearest friend,
young Robert Ellis, to the effect that he
did not believe in Arnold's guilt and that
the latter was the victim of some terrible
plot.
Men and money do not disappear except
by design" said Mr.. Bordell bitterly. "No,
he is guilty. L trusted him, and be has
deceived me. Let his name never be spoken
in this house again"
Then the affair became darkened men,
DRY, and Elmer Arden, distant relative of
the banker, who had filed subordinate
position for years in the bank, was adj
vanced to the lucrative and honorable posi-
ton which Arnold had held.
1t was this man, with eyes like a snake
and the face of an arrant hypo rate, whom
young Ellis watched, as a cat does q mouse,
for many day after the mysterious disap-
pearance of Arnold Bordell.
Why he suspected him he cou not tell;
he had done so since the day Arnold went
away, and conversation between Arden
and stranger which he had overheard had
decided him on action.
Robert Ellis was connected with lawyer
in the town with large practice. He was
an impulsive sort Of fellow, and the very
q day upon which our story opens had met
Arden coming from the bankers mansion.
He knew that Arden had always betrayed
n longing for the company of beautiful
Bertha Bordell and the fact that he was
fast winning the bankers confidence. and
q firm belief that he was the cause of Ar
mold Bordelrs disappearance, led him TO
act rashly.
In fact, from casual greeting their
meeting led to an open quarrel, in which
Ellis openly denounced him as a hypocrite
and scoundrel and charged him and some
accomplice in plotting to ruin Arnold Bor-
dell.
"You shall suffer for this!" choked out
Arden, pale with rage, as they parted.
Beware how you cross my path, or there
will be another mysterious Disappearance
The words betrayed the real villainous
depths of Arden's nature. Ellis said not
another word, but moment later entered
the Bordell mansion, and proceeded to the
library to seek the banker.
1t was there that the conversation de-
scribed above occurred. II formed the
climax to long recital on the part of
Robert Ellis.
He began by stating that he had never
believed Arnold Bordell to be an embezzler,
that he considered his disappearance and
r IL =. l.. a. L
the result of deep plot of designing
enemies.
Il forbid you to speak Of my son." the
banker had interrupted Ellis by saying
sternly; "he is dead to me, and the evil
dences of his guilt were incontroverible."
And then, in impassioned tones, Ellis
had told him how he believed the new bank
cashier, Arden, to be villain, and he re-
counted the quarrel that had occurred
few moments previous.
Mr.. Bordell became very indignant at the
narration, and then, after demanding an
apology. which the high-spirited Ellis had
refused, had ordered him never to darken
the doors of the mansion again.
With u rapid step, angered at the per-
sistent and blind preference of the banker
for his favorite, the young man fastened
down the graveled walk to the road.
Robert"
He paused as a soft, silvery voice spoke
his name.
Turning, he saw pretty, winsome Bertha
Bordell standing at table in the rustic
veranda room in the garden, where, in her
haste to address him, she had upset 4 pile
of photographs.
Her deep, soulful eyes scanned lis face
searchingly. as he approached her.,
Robert" she said, seriously, you are
Av0ifa1 Won hac xrrtfhnut
seeing me. What has happened?"
"The worst-the very worst" replied
young Ellis, bitterly.
"You have seen my father?'
~Yes."
~And have preached the subject OF Ar
mold again?"
al have"
"And you have quarreled?"